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Statement on Wits Fees Must Fall

17 October 2015

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) notes the perception that exists in some corners that we were not involved in the strike of Wits University. We want to remind those that share such thoughts, that there is no way in which we will not support Wits students inline with our 25th National Congress which resolved on Free Education. We wish to dismiss this notion for it seeks to cast doubt on the role of the ANCYL in the plight of students and their struggle. We call on all members of the ANCYL to continue involving themselves with the struggle of students and we call on the leadership of the SRC to keep students informed at all times. We want to call on all stakeholders to uphold the signed agreement that was negotiated by the PYA led SRC.

We will continue to support comrades in their struggle. We respect the fact that our comrades mobilized students and did not allow ANCYL leadership to speak for their thought that this was going to cause division amongst students. We call on the University Council to listen to students and their reasons as to why fees should not be increased. We call on the SRC of Wits University to have discussion with University Council so as to resolve this matter and allow the university to go back to its normal academic calendar.

We call on Government to declare a moratorium on fee increment across all universities, so as to avert further disturbances in learning as we recently saw in Wits University. Whilst all univerisities across the country are exploring alternative methods of funding in line with the President investigation commission, we encourage all PYA structures that on Monday, 19th October 2015, they must demonstrate in their respective campuses in solidarity with Wits Students and call for the moratorium on fee increment.

On Wednesday we will have tea in the houses of those that are saying we must research about Free Education, to remind them about their responsibility to the clarion of the Freedom Charter that says " Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all." Not to those who can afford. The Ministry and the Department of Higher education and training must formulate a policy on the implementation of Free Education as this part of their responsibility in government.

We are inspired by OR Tambo when he says, "Our fight is not quite done. Let us fight for the right to be literate, questioning education only then will we truly be able to claim that we have won our liberty. Education, education, education all the way". Free Education for a better nation. Free Education for skilled youth. Free Education for Economic Freedom in Our Life Time. Free Education Now.